Elora Sculpture Project - and COVID-19

Elora Sculpture Project - interactive map (2018) *

On 2020-03-23 K.S. wrote:

In view of the COVID-19 pandemic, the (Elora Sculpture Project) committee has been discussing how or if it should proceed with the 2020 exhibition. At this time we are not considering cancelling the exhibition...

Has the spread of the virus made it difficult for you to access materials and/or work on your sculpture? 

How comfortable are you making the trip to Elora/Fergus to install your sculpture?

Would you prefer to;

-continue as is with installation dates from May 1 to May 11,

-delay the start exhibition until there is more information about the spread of the virus or,

-cancel the exhibition.

1) At point of writing, I only need one piece of material, outside of what I normally hold on hand here.
I can easily make up a substitute for this, again with tools and materials on hand. (1)
I normally keep a considerable stock of materials and expendable supplies. (2)

2) I see no special problem being able to maintain the original installation dates.
- As with past years, my sculpture is designed of a number of easily transportable elements that would be assembled on site.
- This will present no special difficulty for me to undertake working without any assistance.
- My normal practice is to arrive at the installation site very early, so as to be able to park as close as possible for unloading. (3)

3) I do appreciate that at least placing the originally scheduled reception on hold, with a good possibility that this will be cancelled entirely.

'Last to See' my 2020 proposal

As an artist, I feel it is a * duty * to continue with the production and installation of my submitted work for the Elora Sculpture Project.

I do see a conflict of purpose however. The underlying reason for the ESP is to attract members of the public to visit and spend time in Elora, with the desired effect of generating increased activities for the local businesses. Currently not likely the expected outcome, depending on what kind of lasting impact 'social distancing' has into spring and summer this year.
The viewing of contributed works, in itself, is a private, outdoor, activity. Actually just the kind of activity that can be carried out while avoiding close contact with crowds. So to my mind, continuing with the ESP takes on additional importance in the current situation.

View roughly North of the central downtown park which forms the core of the ESP. *

As an artistan maker, I undertake the production of all my designs myself, inside my own (home) workshop. This may not be the case with all contributors. Generally it has been my observation in past years that the majority of submissions have been from other artisan makers. There may be some problems for those who, in their normal creation sequence, need to employ the services of those providing industrial level equipment. (Thinking those who utilize high temperature processes specifically.)

So personally, I see own involvement with the Elora Sculpture Project at this harrowing time is providing several very important benefits:
1) At a time when so much is being cancelled or delayed, the process of creating my own sculpture will motivate me to continue actually getting out and working in my studio. Gathering any inspiration is especially difficult for us all right now. Commitment to a major project is a significant method to combat developing feelings of helplessness right now. Many artists (myself included) struggle with depression, and having a significant project to focus on is especially helpful with both.
2) As artists, creating and mounting work for public viewing provides us with a method of 'fighting back'. Most often our creation process is effectively hidden, normally carried out in isolation anyway. Contributing work for the ESP has always been a method to allow public viewing of work, in what is very much a 'remote' situation.
3) For the public, viewing the collected sculptures becomes a more important activity than any normal year. This represents a 'low contact' activity - in fact just the kind of thing people will be seeking to replace crowded theaters or concerts. As artists, the ESP both represents an opportunity to showcase what we do.


I would also suggest participation in the Elora Sculpture Project is a responsibility. Art is communication. This spring, COVID-19 is reducing people's possibilities of communication. As artists, should we not all be doing our best to ensure communication continues?


Notes:

1 ) On the layout above, this is the piece of wire grid supporting the stones. I would normally purchase this (used for re-enforcing concrete) from Kruger Steel in Owen Sound - not that I am expecting any problem there. I could fabricate from 1/4 round stock (more tedious than a real problem).

2 ) I normally hold a fairly large quantity of steel. In the 'smaller' sizes and profiles, this means anything from 100 to 400 feet of round, square, various flats, pipe and structural profiles. This because my normal working style is to follow inspiration - and not so much pre-planning and project specific ordering.
Of the usual expended supplies at the Wareham Forge, the only potential problem I can see is perhaps propane, although I do cycle through 3 medium sized cylinders (40 lbs ea.). On coal, I work out of a 1500 lb store - with an additional 1000 lbs kept as an 'emergency' reserve.
When you live at a basically remote, rural, location? Keeping 'four extras' of everything is more or less standard already.

3 ) A hint for anyone wanting to visit Elora to view the installed sculptures :
Plan on arriving after 11 AM.
In the 'tourist' part of of Downtown Elora (at least in early May), there is almost nothing open before that hour. Trying to get a cup of coffee has proved a challenge!

* Images poached from the Elora Sculpture Project web site.